SNAP changes for seniors are coming in 2025, and this is a piece of big news for them. If you rely on this benefit, this is the best time to find out how much extra money you are eligible for. The Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enables low-income individuals and families to buy groceries with a monthly benefit to afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
Why SNAP is Still Beneficial
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), SNAP, which is the largest federal nutrition program in the U.S., reduces food insecurity by up to 30%, improves the quality of diet, and frees up money for other necessities like housing and other medical expenses.
Due to the rising food costs and inflation, SNAP is a safety net for most Seniors, and with a chance to get extra money, it will provide more relief on the way.
SNAP Changes Happening in Ohio
In Ohio, SNAP changes for seniors are a talk in town after lawmakers introduced House Bill 178. If passed, the bill will form a state-funded supplemental benefit meant for eligible seniors, where each will receive more than $50 per month in SNAP.
Currently, some seniors in Ohio receive as low as $23 per month, which is also the federal minimum. The bill targets seniors aged 60 and above who are enrolled in SNAP and receive less than $50 monthly. If the legislation becomes law, over 70,000 households will benefit.
Bipartisan Support in Ohio
Besides being good news for residents of Ohio, the new bill has wide bipartisan support. The bill was introduced by Rep. Daniel Troy (D) and Rep. Josh Williams (R), and surprisingly, it already has 19 co-sponsors across party lines. According to Rep. Williams, many seniors are still struggling to afford food, rent, and medicine given the high prices.
If the bill is passed, the SNAP Change will be a win for low-income seniors in Ohio. The bill has also garnered support from food banks and advocacy groups who noted that demand from seniors has increased sharply since emergency pandemic allotments were stopped.
SNAP Updates for 2025
Besides the proposed changes in Ohio, federal SNAP updates started to take effect on October 1, 2024, as part of the new fiscal year. These SNAP changes include benefit allotment, updates to income limits, and eligibility requirements:
Currently, the maximum SNAP allotment for a household in the 48 states is $292 per month, while the minimum monthly benefit remains $23, but Ohio and several other states are planning to raise it. Additionally, the maximum SNAP benefit is now $975 per month. However, benefits for a family of four in high-cost states like Alaska and Hawaii go up to $1,953.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) also confirmed that cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) were factored into the new SNAP limits. That’s important because many seniors also receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and even modest COLA increases could impact eligibility or reduce monthly SNAP amounts.
Why These Changes Matter Now
It’s confirmed: SNAP changes are coming for seniors, and they couldn’t come at a more critical time. Food banks across the country are seeing record levels of demand from seniors. In Ohio, Joree Novotny, executive director of the Ohio Association of Foodbanks, said, “Older Ohioans represent one in five individuals served by food banks. We can’t continue to provide this level of response without significant support.”
Legislation like Ohio’s House Bill 178 is one way to help seniors stay fed, independent, and healthy. And with the confirmed federal changes already in place, it’s clear that SNAP benefits for seniors are evolving in 2025.
Check If You’re Getting the Extra Money
If you’re 60 or older and currently receiving SNAP benefits, check your monthly benefit amount and eligibility criteria. It’s confirmed: SNAP changes are coming for seniors, and you don’t want to miss out on the extra money.
For Ohio residents, keep an eye on House Bill 178 as it moves through the legislature. And nationwide, make sure you’re aware of the new 2025 SNAP limits, deductions, and exemptions so you can get the maximum benefit you’re entitled to.